Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is excited to announce that it will host a minimum of 500 UK travel agents on board its Super Ships, reinforcing its position as the most trade-friendly ultra-luxury river cruise line in the UK market and to mark its 50th anniversary year in 2026.
*All details correct at time of publish (05 January 2026)
Chris Townson, UK and Europe MD of Uniworld Boutique River Cruises, said:
“2026 is a big year for Uniworld as we celebrate 50 years of operating at the very highest level in Europe and beyond. It also marks a time when we are entering a bold new era of ownership and investment, with a brand new ship launching in 2026 and four more on the way for 2027.
“We’re excited to launch an unprecedented opportunity for agents to experience the Uniworld difference in 2026. It’s a huge investment for us, but we know the value of agents having this firsthand knowledge, as they come away completely wowed and much better informed on how to sell our unique offering.
“Each time we have trade partners travel with us, enjoying our world-class dining and service, experiencing the entertainment, sleeping in our Savoir beds, we see that understanding really takes off, and we never underestimate the importance of our trade partners to our business.”
As well as being Uniworld’s 50th year, 2026 will herald a new era of Super Ships as the company launches the Super Ship Emilie, inspired by the works of Gustav Klimt and named after his inspiration and muse Emilie Flöge.
The ship will set sail for the first time in March 2026 on the Rhine before transferring to the Danube later in the Spring to sail on two new itineraries – Capital Cities of the Danube and Vineyards and Palaces of the Danube – amongst others.
In the first instance, Uniworld will host 150 agents at its Ultra Luxury Showcase taking place from 17 to 19 March 2026 on board the new Super Ship Emilie, making them amongst the first to enjoy this new pinnacle of river cruise hospitality.
Now in its third year, the Ultra Luxury Showcase was conceptualised by the Uniworld UK sales team and brings together representatives from carefully selected ultra-luxury ocean cruise lines.
In 2026, this will include Seabourn, Aqua Expeditions, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Explora Journeys and more – and aligned travel agent partners for a weekend of informative presentations, interactive workshops and entertainment from like-minded brands.
The majority of the 150 attending agents will be by invitation, but Uniworld is also launching a booking incentive in January for the remaining eight spots.
Each week throughout the month, Uniworld will offer four lucky agents the opportunity to join the Ultra Luxury Showcase, staying in one of the new Super Ship Emilie’s sumptuous suites, each with its own private butler, and bring a colleague with them, sharing.
The incentive is valid on all Uniworld bookings from 1 January to 5 February, and agents simply need to email the details to agency.sales@uniworld.com to be entered into the draw to win a place. The first winner will be announced on Friday, 16 January, and weekly from then until Friday, 6 February*.
Samantha Bates, Travel Consultant at Delmar World and a previous Uniworld fam trip winner, said:
“I never expected to win a fam trip place from a booking incentive, but it just goes to show that you’ve got to be in it to win it, and it’s always worth throwing your hat into the ring. I made a Uniworld booking and was entered into the draw to go on one of their amazing Ultra Luxury Showcase trips.
“Nothing beats experiencing a brand firsthand, and this was truly exceptional. We were treated to some phenomenal hospitality and incredible sights, and it has made a world of difference to how I sell Uniworld. I truly understand the different level at which it operates, and am excited to introduce it to my clients, as I know they won’t look back.”
Further opportunities for travel agents to join Uniworld fam trips will be announced throughout the year, with a minimum of 500 agents to be hosted on board Uniworld’s ultra-luxury Super Ships throughout 2026.
Townson added, “This is just the start of the unveiling of our 50th year celebrations. Watch out during the year, including at the CLIA RiverView Conference in March, as we celebrate our 50th with our amazing trade partners and guests, and announce more developments in the world of ultra luxury travel and cruise!”
Agents will be offered the full support of the Uniworld sales and marketing team, including tailorable collateral, brochures, social media assets, selling tips and presentations.
*This incentive is valid on all new Uniworld bookings made between 1 January and 5 February 2026. The first prize draw will be based on bookings made between 1 and 15 January, with all subsequent prize draws based on bookings made within the relevant weekly booking window, with winners announced each Friday from 16 January to 6 February.
Visit uniworld.com/ap/ships/ss-emilie for more information.
Visit the Travel Pursuit News Hub for more exciting updates.
